Don't Miss This Iconic Stephen King Cinematic Before It: Welcome to Derry's Upcoming Installment
HBO's It: Welcome to Derry contains numerous connections to the author's extensive collection of tales. Beyond the clear ties to It, the series also features a direct link to King's famous novel through the cameo of a young Dick Hallorann. Currently, as the narrative progresses, Welcome to Derry is integrating one more beloved King story which merits a revisit.
The Haunting Story of The Shawshank Redemption
While Shawshank Redemption may not be considered a horror film, especially compared to much of King's other writing, it remains a haunting story of a wrongfully convicted man condemned to live the rest of his life inside a infamous penitentiary. And it's that very penitentiary which is central here, as the Shawshank facility possesses significant history throughout King's stories — a tradition which persists within Welcome to Derry.
Among the tales that reference Shawshank include Dolores Claiborne, Needful Things, Apt Pupil, 11/22/63, as well as It. Through these narratives, we learn about the awful life at the state penitentiary and some of those imprisoned within, such as the partner of one of Pennywise's early targets, who was convicted for robbery with a weapon.
Thus far, though, the majority we have discovered about the prison was through the perspective of the protagonist from Shawshank Redemption, played by Tim Robbins in that 1994 film. Andy winds up at the prison after being wrongly convicted, and experiences beaten and abused by fellow inmates, and exploited by those in authority figures due to his financial knowledge. He requires him 28 years to dig an escape route of the prison, before making his way "through a river of shit" to take back his freedom.
The Prison's Appearance in Welcome to Derry
Regarding It: Welcome to Derry, audiences initially discovered about the prison's inclusion from an initial preview for the show, where a correctional transport appeared with the name displayed on its side. In episode 2, we learn who is likely headed to Shawshank.
Though it is known he was not commit the child deaths in the first episode, the character Hank Grogan (Stephen Rider), dad to Ronnie (Amanda Christine), gets taken into custody for those offenses. The preview for episode 3, "the upcoming installment," reveals a guard telling a jailed Hank, "Do you know what they do to kiddie killers at that prison?"
The Consequences for Hank and His Daughter
Given that the real killer in Derry is a primordial entity originating elsewhere hunting and killing kids, Hank's prospects of clearing his name appear slim. And even if he does go in the prison and the audience do not see him inside, understanding what we do regarding Shawshank makes it clear that his experience would be far from enjoyable.
Crucially, though, this development would endanger his daughter. Hank is her guardian. Horrible things are occurring around Derry which no one, young or old, comprehends and Ronnie only has her new group circle of pals to rely on. She will require her dad in the coming episodes, however should Shawshank plays a role, she could be out of luck.
One thing is apparent: Hank lacks three decades to dig his way out.
Welcome to Derry the first two episodes are streaming now via the streaming service. Additional installments air weekly each Sunday.
